In Inkscape, how can I easily select multiple objects that are obscured by other objects?

Question

I have object 1 which obscures object 2 which obscures object 3 which obscures object 4.

Object 1
  Object 2
    Object 3
      Object 4

I know I can ctrl + alt + click to select contiguous objects in the stack, but I want objects 1 and 3 selected, excluding 2 and 4.

Is there a way to quickly achieve such selection without having to rely on the XML Editor?

Thanks.

Answer 1

By far the easiest and quickest way to do this is to rely on the fact that undo in inkscape does not undo selection.

1. Move the objects off each other so you can see them all (and click on them)
2. Select the objects 1 and 3.
3. Undo the Moves you did in step 1 with Edit > Undo

Objects 1 and 3 will still be selected even after the undo operations.

Answer 2

In new Inkscape 0.92 you can select it by holding alt with scrolling mouse.

Shift + Alt + Mouse Scroll will add to selection

Answer 3

If you hold down the Shift and Alt keys as well as hold down the life mouse button, you can draw over the object you want to select.

Answer 4

You can use the shift key for this purpose

Shift + Left Mouse Click to select multiple objects